Life as an Adoptive Family

Adoption – Sponsored by Kleenex

Today we went to an amazing conference focusing on adoptees and their experiences growing up. It was such a great experience to hear from the only people who can actually speak about what it is like to grow up adopted. We went to sessions talking about birth parent reunions, homeland tours, and issues of transracial adoption. It was eyeopening, scary, heartbreaking, and reaffirming at the same time. We also saw many familiar faces, and made new acquaintances. I know I keep on saying this, but there is such an amazing instant bond to others in the adoption community. Hopefully our child will feel the same support.

And, as always, the Kleenex tissue box played a prominent role for everyone involved. I have never once went to an adoption related event where people were able to hold back tears for longer than about 10 to 15 minutes into the event.

The most entertaining, yet eye-opening, part was the introduction by Alison Larkin. She was born in the US, but adopted by English parents and grew up in Africa and England. She has a one woman comedy show based on her adoption. If you ever have a chance to see her, do so! I just got started on her book, The English American, and it is a fabulous read. Check her out here: http://alisonlarkin.com/